Karen Colley Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | University Of Illinois At Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has announced updates on two key leadership searches: the roles of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Advancement.
Provost Karen Colley will continue in her position through June 2026. UIC plans to conduct a national search for her successor, seeking candidates who can support a student-centered learning environment, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, grow research activities, and advance faculty and staff support. The new provost is expected to play a significant role in strengthening UIC’s academic and research standing.
The search committee for the provost position will be chaired by Kathryn Chval, Dean of the College of Education. Other members include Quinn Basta, Christina Nicholas, Benét DeBerry-Spence, Chandra Harris-McCray, Michael Papka, Steve Schwinn, Mike Stieff, Joy Vergara, Donald Wink, and Katherine Zinsser. Tre Price from the Office of the Chancellor will staff the committee. The executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been hired to assist with this process. Inquiries or nominations can be sent to Joi Hayes and Alison Ranney at uicprovost@russellreynolds.com.
Additionally, UIC is beginning a national search for its next Vice Chancellor for Advancement. This leader will oversee fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and partnerships that align with university priorities such as student scholarships and research innovation.
Eileen Collins, Dean of the College of Nursing, will chair the advancement search committee. Members include Tarini Bedi, Nicky Boothe, Christy Devocelle, Matt Fajack, Beth Fulmer, Chandra Harris-McCray (who serves on both committees), Andy Mitchell, Jon Radosta, Tom Royston, and Annette Wright. Tre Price will also staff this committee. WittKieffer is supporting this recruitment; confidential inquiries or nominations may be sent to Melissa Fincher, Mercedes Vance, and Jevon Walton at UIC-VCAdvancement@wittkieffer.com.
"I am also pleased to announce that UIC is launching a search for our next Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Reporting directly to me and serving on the university’s senior leadership team, this individual will lead UIC’s philanthropic and alum engagement strategy," reads an official statement from campus leadership.
UIC encourages both internal and external candidates with strong leadership skills to apply or be nominated for these positions.